Moving to any country, let alone Dubai, is not child’s play. There are a lot of things to consider, including your finances, your job, your kid’s school, your residence, and the culture shock. However, if you do all the homework and plan things correctly, moving to Dubai can be quite stress-free and seamless.
In this article, we will set out the ultimate moving to Dubai checklist for you so you can take all the necessary measures beforehand and know what things to consider before moving to Dubai.
So let’s dive right in.
- Get Your Documents in Order
Before you move to Dubai with your family, you will need to get all your paperwork straight. First, cancel all of your subscriptions in your home country. Next, get all of your documents in order, including your proof of marriage, your degrees, your property papers, your driver’s license, your passports, IDs, and every other important document you own.
Make sure all of these important documents are attested. This is especially required if your home country does not have an embassy in Dubai or the UAE.
- Make Your Flight Bookings in Advance
If you have made up your mind to move to Dubai with your family, it’s wise to book your flights well in advance. This will help you save a lot of money as advance bookings are cheaper. If you don’t mind going for a high-end flying partner, you can fly with Etihad or Emirates. However, if you are tight on your budget because of the relocation, you can also comfortably travel with Flydubai or other airlines that can help you save thousands of dollars.
- Start Finding the Property ASAP
No matter where you are coming from, you can always find a home in Dubai that matches your style. Make sure you look for a place that offers plenty of parking space. Not all places in Dubai have a lot of parking places. So make sure you do your research about the property you are interested in before you commit to a year-long contract. Also, make sure that you read and understand all the terms of your lease contract.
- Make a Packing List
Next, create a packing list and sort out what you need to take and what you need to leave behind. Make sure you don’t take anything that will cost you more freight costs than its actual value. Only pack the most valuable and sentimental things that you cannot live without.
If you are coming from the U.S. or Canada, you will need to know that the standard voltage in Dubai is 220V. So you will have to say goodbye to your electrical appliances as they won’t be compatible (unless you have a converter).
As for your furniture, don’t think about taking it along with you to Dubai. It will cost you a fortune. Instead, look for a fully furnished apartment or villa, so you don’t have to buy all the furniture.
- Lay Out a Financial Plan
Before you move to Dubai, you will need to create a financial plan because there’s plenty to do in Dubai. But none of it comes cheap. Make sure you hop onto the internet and research about the cost of everything from your home, food, and bills to the school fees, transportation costs, and social activities.
Once you have an idea of how much everything in Dubai costs, lay out a financial plan and stick to it. It’s always wise to make a budget and stick to it, especially considering how Dubai does not have any formal pension provision plans for non-Emiratis.
- Set Up the DubaiNow App on Your Phone
The DubaiNow app gives you access to over 120 services in the city. You can use this app to pay your utility bills, clear out your traffic tickets, top up your phone and Dubai metro cards, get help in case of emergencies and do so much more. Instead of having to download multiple apps for each service, you can use DubaiNow as your one-stop solution to all the city services you need.
- Reach Out to Your Contacts in Dubai
Before you move to Dubai, you should check which of your friends, family, or ex-colleagues reside in Dubai so you can have someone from your social circle in Dubai. You can also look for Facebook groups for people from your country to meet them up and explore the city as much as you can. Since you will be transitioning to a new environment, you will need as many friends by your side as you can find.
Conclusion
To sum it up, you will need to consider the checklist below before moving to Dubai:
- Documents of your entire family
- An employment letter and contract
- A no-objection letter
- Your UAE resident visa
- A place to live
- Your tenancy agreement
- A financial plan
- A local SIM card
- A shortlist of schools for your kids
We hope this moving to Dubai checklist helps you relocate easily and in a stress-free way. We have mentioned nearly all the things to consider before moving to Dubai. So if you were overwhelmed with all the relocation process, you don’t have to anymore! Just follow this checklist, and you will have everything you’d need to relocate safely and easily.
Enjoy your new life in Dubai, and don’t forget to visit all the local attractions that Dubai is famous for!
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